It’s hard to believe that Yellowtail‘s “Back to the Melody” is almost five years old! The original, a classic broken beat tune featuring the esteemed vocals of UK singer Eska,  was released on the influential UK label Coopr8 III. Now, with the re-release of this single comes remixes from Opolopo, Som Do Matter (Greymatter), L’Aroye, and Silverback, and includes the original instrumental track which was the inspiration for “Back to the Melody.” What each version highlight’s is Eska‘s vocal versatility, which is so jazzy and deliciously sexy.  Check out a couple of remixes below, then head over to Bagpak.net for purchase.

“Back to the Melody” feat. Eska (Som Do Matter Remix)

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“Back to the Melody” feat. Eska (Opolopo Remix)

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Last month, we featured Michelle Amador‘s contribution to Yellowtail‘s compilation, Grand & Putnam with the song, “Miss Out On You.” The timing couldn’t have been any better as her third album, Higher goes on sale on May 25th. And boy, is it a lovely one. Consistently, Michelle’s vocals weave and meld like a lullaby to soothe your soul.

The electronic acoustic singer/songwriter and composer is no stranger to the broken, nu jazz collective that has been steadily growing since the early 2000s. Last month, Michelle was also featured on Computer Paul‘s EP on the track “Does It.” For Higher, she joined forces with UK’s dub step producer, Zed Bias. His experimental approach to creating tunes coupled with Michelle’s all-round artistry, together they created a mellow, chilled mix of tunes, kind of like a soundtrack to the season of springtime and summer. Its fresh mood and Michelle’s modern, yet jazzy vocals fit perfectly with Bias’s production.

Get yourself a copy of Higher, exclusively available through iTunes today, before its worldwide release on May 25th. Check out tunes below.

“Higher” by Michelle Amador

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“In and Out” by Michelle Amador

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Imagine sitting on a beach, looking out at the ocean, hearing the roaring yet calming waves, while the sun gently kisses your skin as you contemplate your past, future, present. A wonderful feeling, right? That’s exactly how you are left feeling as you listen to the opening song, “Miss Out On You” featuring the lush vocals of Michelle Amador on Yellowtail‘s Grand & Putnam compilation on Bagpak Records. Grand & Putnam features a great mix of artists who assist Yellowtail in showcasing his versatility as a producer, from jazz infusion, inspirational soul to aggressive bruk beats and hip hop sounds.

Yellowtail (a.k.a. Hiro Awanohara) has been busy over the past few years, with an impressive host of releases appearing on influential independent labels such as Brownswood, Coopr8, Raw Fusion, Amalgama, Unique Uncut, Dancing Turtle, to name a few, and has collaborated with artists such as Eska, Jose James, Alison Crockett, Monday Michiru, Replife, Jeni Fujita. Grand & Putnam is a smooth mix of tunes to accompany any mood. Check out Bagpak to learn more about their releases and roster of artists distributed through their online store. But in the meantime, take a listen to “Miss Out On You” featuring Michelle Amador below.

“Miss Out On You” feat. Michelle Amador

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You think it’s all about attending seminars and meeting record executives that make the WMC. In fact, it’s quite the opposite and is truly dependent on your musical tastes. The WMA I experienced was more impromptu and respective of my musical preferences, which are more underground. On the cusp of losing your mind with all the dance/trance music that permeates the South Miami Beach airwaves, a la Spring Break/Girls Gone Wild style, when you do find your scene, it’s a breath of fresh air.

This year’s Delano events featured K’naan, whose performance highlight was bringing Matisyahu to the stage for one song. Matisyahu is incredible live. I’m waiting to see what K’naan will grow into. He shows much potential with his message of the struggle, but the media frenzy is causing my side way looks.

The Raw Fusion events at Jazid were my highlights, featuring a large roster of artist such as DJ Spinna, Rich Medina, Daz-I-Kue (Bugz In The Attic), Mad Mats (Raw Fusion), Kissey Asplund, Erik Rico to name a few. From Taylor McFerrin doing his hereditary human beat box to DJ Spinna mixing up broken, Fela, and dub beats, had us all jumpin’ and funkin’. Attitudes were left at the door.

So here’s a shout out to a few of the people I met over the weekend who were happy to talk about their projects, share music, and opinions. Looking forward to gracing Muphoric Sounds with their flavor – Kissey Asplund, Taylor McFerrin, Yellowtail, Mad Mats, Ayro, DJ Chicus, and Bopstar.